Emirate crisis: Kano police ban Durbar activities ahead of Eid-el-Kabir

Police officers stand at a barricade on Lagos expressway as they enforce a restriction imposed on movement of motorists during local elections, in Lagos, on March 18, 2023. – Nigerians vote in local elections three weeks after the ruling party won a presidential poll contested by the two main opposition parties. Africa’s most populous country will be voting for governors in 28 of the 36 states of the federation — the other states having already conducted by-elections — as well as for representatives in state assemblies. (Photo by PIUS UTOMI EKPEI / AFP)

The Kano State Police Command has banned all durbar activities throughout the state ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The ban order was disclosed in a statement by the state police spokesperson, Haruna Abdullahi, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel.

“The Kano Police Command has placed a ban on all durbar activities throughout the state for the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations,” Abdullahi stated.

“In furtherance, a ban on all contending parties has been placed, restraining both from conducting Durbar activities for the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.”

Abdullahi also stated that the measure was part of the state police command’s commitment to maintaining peace in collaboration with all of the state’s security stakeholders.

He added that “This measure is taken as a result of a series of security reports obtained and wide consultations made with relevant security stakeholders, to ensure the safety of the larger community.”

The comes amidst the ongoing crisis over the Kano Emirate Council Law 2019 repeal and the dethronement of Emir Ado Bayero, replaced by Lamido Sanusi.

The Federal High Court sitting in Kano had ruled against the state government and others challenging its jurisdiction to entertain a suit on fundamental human rights instituted by Aminu Babba Dan’agundi over the Kano emirate tussle.

Delivering the ruling on jurisdiction on Thursday, the presiding judge, Justice Abdullahi M. Liman, ruled that the court had jurisdiction to entertain the matter concerning the applicant’s fundamental human rights.

Liman gave the ruling, relying on Section 42, sub-section 1, and Section 315 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, in connection with the emirship tussle.